The Big Prawn

Ballina•NSW

Height

9 meters

Year Built

1989

Address

6 Kerr Street, Ballina, NSW 2478

Free Entry

The Lowdown

The Big Prawn towers over Ballina's Bunnings car park as a colorful tribute to the Northern Rivers region's rich fishing heritage and thriving prawn industry. Originally constructed in 1989, this eye-catching structure stands 9 meters tall and is painted in vivid shades of pink and orange that capture the essence of a freshly cooked prawn. Built during the peak of the 'Big Things' phenomenon that swept Australia, the Big Prawn was designed to attract travelers on the Pacific Highway and promote Ballina as a premier seafood destination. While it was originally located at a seafood restaurant, the prawn has found a new home and continues to delight visitors as one of the most photographed landmarks in the region. The structure embodies the playful spirit of Australian roadside attractions while genuinely representing Ballina's identity as a coastal town with deep connections to commercial fishing and seafood production.

Did you know?

"The structure has survived multiple business closures and relocations due to community affection and support"

History

The Big Prawn was erected in 1989 during the golden age of Australian Big Things, when communities across the country were building oversized sculptures to celebrate local industries and attract tourists. Originally positioned at a seafood restaurant on the Pacific Highway, the structure served both as an advertising beacon and a celebration of Ballina's thriving prawn trawling industry. The Northern Rivers region, with its access to pristine coastal waters, has long been renowned for its seafood, particularly prawns, and the sculpture embodied this regional pride. Over the years, as businesses changed hands and the highway was rerouted, the Big Prawn faced an uncertain future. However, the community's affection for this quirky landmark ensured its preservation. The structure was eventually relocated to its current position, where it continues to serve as a beloved photo opportunity and symbol of Ballina's coastal character. Despite its simple design compared to some newer Big Things, the Big Prawn remains one of the most recognized and photographed roadside attractions in New South Wales.

More Fun Facts

•The Big Prawn stands 9 meters tall, making it taller than a two-story building
•Its bright pink and orange coloring mimics the appearance of a cooked prawn rather than a raw one
•Ballina is home to one of the largest prawn trawler fleets on the NSW coast, making this tribute particularly appropriate
•The structure has survived multiple business closures and relocations due to community affection and support
•The Big Prawn is one of several food-themed Big Things along Australia's east coast, joining the Big Banana, Big Pineapple, and others
•Despite its age, the Big Prawn remains in remarkably good condition thanks to periodic repainting and maintenance
•The prawn has become so iconic that it appears on local tourism materials and social media campaigns
•Ballina's seafood industry contributes significantly to the local economy, with prawns being a major export

Visiting Tips

💡The Big Prawn is free to visit and photograph - a perfect quick stop during road trips along the Pacific Highway
💡Located in a Bunnings car park, it's easy to access with ample parking available
💡Best photographed in natural daylight when the bright pink and orange colors really pop
💡Combine your visit with exploring Ballina's beautiful beaches and coastal walks
💡Visit local seafood restaurants and markets to sample the fresh prawns that inspired this monument
💡The structure makes a great backdrop for quirky family photos and road trip selfies
💡Allow 10-15 minutes for photos and viewing - it's a quick stop but a memorable one
💡Check out other Ballina attractions nearby including the Maritime Museum and Richmond River cruises